Abdoulaye Meite Bio Send To Friend  

The Ivory Coast moved to The Hawthorns from Bolton Wanderers for a fee believed to be in the region of £2 million.

Born and bred in Paris, Meite began his playing career in 1998 aged 17 with Parisian club Red Star FC 93, before moving south to join Marseille with whom he made over 130 appearances and gained considerable European experience, including reaching the final of the 2004 UEFA Cup.

The powerful player was linked with a move to Bolton some 18 months before he finally made the switch to the Premier League in July 2006 from Olympique Marseille.

After starring for the Ivorians during the 2006 World Cup campaign he signed a four-year contract with Wanderers and was quick to adapt to the pace of English football.

He formed an impressive partnership with Abdoulaye Faye until injuries and suspensions intervened. Despite the occasional rush of blood to the head Meite proved to be an accomplished, reliable defender; strong and fast both on and off the ball, and a capable man-marker.

Meite headed to West Brom after two years with the Trotters, playing 70 games.

The end of his time at Bolton was controversial after he allegedly refused to come back out at half-time during a defeat at Manchester United after boss Gary Megson blamed him for two Cristiano Ronaldo goals. It was reported that the medical team could uncover no injury and the player was forced to train with the reserves and he never played for the club again.

The defender made his Baggies debut in a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal but found the start of his Hawthorns career dogged by a calf injury.